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Catholic Bishop of Bauchi, Dr Hillary Dachelem
By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi
Nigerians have been tasked to reorientate their mindsets with a view to be actively involved in changing Nigeria’s narrative in the conduct of the 2022 general elections by actively participating in politics.
The charge was made by Bishop of Bauchi Catholic Diocese, Dr Hillary Dachelem who opined that this would enable Nigerians to elect credible leaders, pointing out that they have to be wise in doing this and shine their eyes as well.
The Catholic Bishop also condemned the spate of insecurity bedeviling some parts of the country, saying that there is the need for government to urgently take proactive measures with a view to curbing any forms of criminality and violence in the country.
Hillary Dachelem was during the Chrism mass held at the St John Cathedral in Bauchi, sympathizing with the victims of banditry and insurgency in some parts of the country, especially Kaduna State in recent months.
According to him, “We condemn any form of criminality and violence in our country, Nigeria. We offer our condolence to grieving states like Kaduna State, It is so sad that we have reached this level in Nigeria, a lot needs to be done.”
The Clergyman added that, “We commend the governors of Bauchi and Gombe states, which make up this Diocese, for maintaining peace and security in their domains. We remain grateful to God for his protection over us and the peace we are enjoying in Bauchi and Gombe state”
According to him, ” We are grateful, especially to Bauchi and Gombe state government for their proactive roles in ensuring peace in the states. May God bless these governors and the security personnels who are assiduously working hard to maintain peace and security of lives and livelihoods in Bauchi and Gombe state”.
While urging Catholic faithfuls to register and collect their permanent voter’s cards (PVCs) in order to enable them participate in next year’s general elections, Dachelem urged those who are politicians among them to positively influence the country’s political space.
“A good number of us don’t have PVCs. How many of us have PVCs? How many of you are ready for voting now? We have over 50 million Catholics in this country and whether we like it or not, we have the capacity to influence politics in this country, but the question is how many of us are into the electioneering”, he quipped.
He then charged Catholics across the state, “Be part of the process. Never accept yourself to be degraded by anybody”.
